Transdev launches autonomous shuttle to WMATA rail station

Transdev has launched an autonomous shuttle between the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Dunne Loring-Merrifield Station in Fairfax County, Virginia, and the Mosaic District in Washington, D.C.

Dubbed Relay, the connected autonomous vehicle (CAV) began operating last month as a pilot to test driverless technology in Virginia.

Manufactured by EasyMile, the CAV is electric and complaint with the Americans with Disabilities Act for accessibility. A Transdev safety operator will be on board Relay at all times.

"It's an ideal first- and last-mile transportation solution that is both safe and environmentally sustainable," Transdev officials said in a press release.

This pilot is a public-private partnership between Dominion Energy, EDENS, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and George Mason University

Local, state and private money will pay for the demonstration project. Fairfax County received a $250,000 DPRT grant that includes $50,000 in county matching funds, according to the project website.

Dominion Energy is providing the shuttle and related charging infrastructure.